Saboteure im Eis: Operation Schweres Wasser

I'm flabbergasted by the few critical reviews of this film as I think it's one of the best series on WWll ever made. Telling the story of Britain & Norway's efforts to destroy the heavy water production by the Nazis (used to create an atomic bomb) it covers the same ground as the 1965 film with Kirk Douglas. This an intense, gripping war drama showing the amazing bravery and tenacity of the Allies to stop Hitler from getting the bomb before them no matter what the cost. Critical reviewers might want to read their history as I found this film to have no "fluff" or "PC" elements at all. Gut wrenching with tons of action not to mention political drama and also blending personal stories into the characters it succeeds on every level in my opinion. I've seen/own every WWll film available and this is one of the best.

EXCELLENT series, best war miniseries since Band of Brothers, and that was the best of all-time according to IMDb raters, myself, and many others (it was the first DVD set I ordered in advance).. I also learned more about physics from this, which caused me to look up heavy water (D2O) online and Germany's wartime nuclear research.

THIS series had me riveted, I watched the last 5 episodes in one sitting (til dawn) b/c I couldn't STOP watching.. some great footage of the skiing, just what you'd expect from Scandanavians.. The commando raid was also brilliantly filmed.

KUDOS to writers, directors, cast (Anna Friel, stunning as always!), and the incredible landscapes - I admire anyone who can conquer all that winter ice & snow and not only survive, but move around and fight wars in all that hostile environment.

HEROES prove their status in times of need, willing to endure self- sacrifice for the rest of us - glad to see that they also inspire cinematic ART many decades later!

After watching this, I mentioned to a friend of mine with a degree in physics that Heisenberg really was compromised working for the Germans during the war. He corrected me and suggested I read "Heisenberg's War" by Thomas Powers. Thank goodness, I did. It's an excellent book, and sets the record straight about what Heisenberg did and didn't do, and did and didn't think, during the war.

The miniseries show him trying to dazzle the German military with the destructive potential of his nuclear research, and it shows him working diligently on developing a bomb. What Powers shows, though, is that Heisenberg and the scientists who worked closely with him tried in various ways to discourage the Nazis from pursuing a bomb. And they were successful. After a critical meeting with Speer in 1943, in which Heisenberg emphasized all the problems and pointed out that a bomb, even if it could be developed, would take too long to be used in the war, bomb research stopped, and nuclear research was aimed at a reactor or "energy machine." The Heisenberg group were so horrified by the idea of an atomic bomb that they even signaled to scientists outside Germany that Germany was not working on a bomb, hoping to prevent a world of nuclear weapons. (This was misunderstood by many distrustful Allied scientists, who feared Heisenberg was trying to stop their work so that he could proceed without competition on his own.)

So enjoy the series, but please don't do as I did and take it as factual about Heisenberg's participation in a German atomic bomb program. I suppose that part of the story was added to crank up the excitement and drama.

Incidentally, after the destruction of the Norwegian hydro/heavy water plant and the sinking of the ferry carrying the heavy water, Germany's was completely crippled in its supply of heavy water, never to recover.

The Heavy Water War stands out not only for its compelling historical narrative but also for its remarkable technical execution, especially considering it is a television series rather than a feature film, where resources are typically more concentrated. Despite the broader scope of its multi-episode format, the series manages to deliver a rich, cinematic experience.

The visual storytelling is particularly effective for a television series. The sweeping shots of Norway's icy landscapes feel expansive, yet the intimate, close-up moments that define character development are given just as much care. The varied camera work, such as the occasional handheld shots during moments of peril, intensifies the action, making the stakes feel personal and urgent, a clever use of television's more fluid pacing. This is a rarity for a series where visual cohesiveness can sometimes suffer when stretched across episodes. Yet here, the cinematography remains tight and focused, maintaining the sense of urgency and tension in each scene.

One of the most impressive feats is how The Heavy Water War retains the atmosphere of a high-budget film despite the limitations of a television series. The detailed set designs and period-accurate costuming elevate the experience, creating a world that feels both authentic and immersive, as though viewers are stepping back in time to WWII. Such dedication to realism is more common in films with larger budgets, but the series expertly makes the most of its resources.

Acting is another strong point in this series. Espen Klouman-Høiner's portrayal of Leif Tronstad shines with remarkable subtlety. He captures the character's internal struggles without resorting to melodrama, allowing the emotional weight of his decisions to unfold naturally. The supporting cast also brings depth to their roles, contributing to the overall gravitas of the series. In television, where performances can occasionally feel stretched over long arcs, here, the actors remain grounded and emotionally engaged, a testament to the tight direction and the careful attention to casting.

Even with its reliance on limited resources in comparison to a film, The Heavy Water War excels in technical aspects. The sound design, another often underappreciated aspect of television production, adds greatly to the atmosphere. The wind howls through the mountains, and the rumble of military aircraft enhances the urgency and danger that permeates the show. Although a few CGI moments don't quite match the level of the rest of the production, they don't detract from the overall immersion.

The Heavy Water War demonstrates that a television series can achieve the same cinematic quality as a high-budget film, thanks to its exceptional direction, stunning cinematography, and immersive sound design. Each episode captures the tension and emotional depth of its characters, maintaining a powerful and cohesive narrative from start to finish. The series excels in transforming its historical setting into a living, breathing world, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits roll.

A variety of languages, with subtitles as needed. Dramatic but in keeping with history. Outstanding sense of the challenging times of WW2 & the decisions made by different groups & individuals, courage & compromise. Risking life & decisions made to protect others & self as the Nazi noose extended itself into Norway.